First Nation Tribe Launches Online Casino In Saskatchewan

A new online gambling conflict started in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada, where the First Nation tribe has announced the launch of its own online casino in this jurisdiction where it is not legal. According to The Star Phoenis newspaper, this new online casino will be launched in conjunction with the GeoBET Gambling Network. Bernie Sheperd, the former Chief of the White Bear and the person who is behind this venture said he has not engaged with the provincial Government at any level for this project. He added that the purpose of this new deal is to allow the Saskatchewan First Nations to take market share in the rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar online gambling industry.

The government in Canada did not sit quiet and almost immediately Donna Harpauer, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, responded that if anyone launches an online casino in this province, it would be illegal. The province had decided against going in for online gambling in the footsteps of Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario. Six months ago the government considered opening an online casino, either in its own or in conjunction with the Saskatchewan First Nation tribe. However, the plan was cancelled because the social risks involved far outweighed the benefits. After the announcement made by the First Nations tribe, an informal poll voted overwhelmingly to shut down the online casino. The majority of the respondents, 59% exactly, wanted the online casino to shut down, 19% wanted it to function, whilst 13% wanted the provincial government to run its own online gambling operation.

GEObet’s CEO stated that this new online casino would be one of the finest in the online market and will operate on the GEObet Gambling Network which is run internationally under the name Olympian Trading Limited. The company is licensed in Curacao, Malta and Kahnawake and offers online casino enthusiasts a sports book, poker room and online casino. The company’s chief executive officer said GEObet’s goal is to unite tribal gaming in the online gambling arena by offering turnkey, live online casinos to First Nations and Tribes in North America.